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Parents of children with special education needs often wonder where to get support in Hong Kong. From inclusive and specialised SEN schools to rehabilitation centres, vocational training organisations and more, this is your ultimate guide to resources for kids with special needs and their parents.
It takes a village to raise a child. When it comes to kids with special needs or SEN students, this saying is truer than ever. Every bit of help can greatly benefit not only the child but also the parents. We’re thankful that in Hong Kong, the resources made available by the local government (see www.sen.org.hk) and the number of qualified professionals trained to support children with special needs are gradually increasing.
We’ve listed some of the most recognised government-operated (or assisted) and community-led SEN support centres that help children of different ages and abilities, along with a selection of private practices and schools. These schools, networks, professionals and support organisations can help kids with special educational needs from birth to their adult years, while also helping parents become better informed and assisting them with some of their daily challenges.
Editor’s Note: If you are seeking support for a child with special educational needs, your requirements may be quite different from others. Please note that there are many free, subsidised and voluntary governmental and not-for-profit organisations offering excellent support, along with private practices with well-qualified professionals. Speak to friends, family and professionals, along with parents of SEN children, to find the best resources for your child.
Jump To:
Understanding Special Education Needs (SEN)
How To Join The Special Needs Network In Hong Kong
Organisations That Support SEN Children
Specialised Schools For SEN Students
Centres For Specific Disabilities In Hong Kong
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Understanding Special Education Needs (SEN)
While every condition and child can be different, in general, any child who needs extra help or an adapted learning environment is considered as having Special Educational Needs (SEN). These requirements can be related to physical, medical, emotional or intellectual abilities.
Depending on the age of your child, you could get a referral or opinion from:
- Maternal and Child Health Centres (MCHC)
- Your child’s kindergarten or school
- Registered medical professionals
Based on these referrals, you are likely to be directed to:
- The Child Assessment Service provided by the Department of Health/Hospital Authority (HA)
- Assessment service of Education Bureau
If you are unsure about whether your child has special educational needs, where to get an assessment, etc., a good place to start is this Social Resources Guide which will outline the process in greater detail. Once you have a fair idea of what your child needs, it will be easier to start working towards it.
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How To Join The Special Needs Network In Hong Kong (SNNHK)
It can be overwhelming and frightening to receive a diagnosis of your child having special needs. With a mission to empower parents to make informed decisions about their children’s development and well-being, the Special Needs Network Hong Kong (SNNHK) organises workshops, professional talks and social events for parents and caregivers.
Created in 2002 and coordinated by a group of parent volunteers, the network today connects over 500 members with children of different diagnoses. The network is able to provide information from some of the most recognised doctors and professionals in the field of special needs and education. Parents are also able to share news and views about early intervention, schooling, health, therapies and available resources and have interactive discussions.
Regular coffee mornings, online workshops and get-togethers are organised, where parents of children with diverse special needs can find information, empathy and support. Email the Special Needs Network Hong Kong to learn more about this support group.
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Organisations That Support SEN Children
Watchdog Early Education Centre – Therapy, training, OPRS and education programmes for young children with special needs
Watchdog operates English and Cantonese speaking programmes for kids (0 to 6 years) with Global Developmental Delay, Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) as well as other learning difficulties and physical disabilities. Here, parents are able to observe the classes and work closely with teachers to develop an individual educational programme (IEP) for their child.
Watchdog is the only NGO that offers English-speaking On-site Pre-school Rehabilitation Services (OPRS), where the centre’s specialists can teach kids with special needs at different international kindergartens.
Watchdog Early Education Centre, various locations across Hong Kong, www.watchdog.org.hk
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The Duchess of Kent Children’s Hospital – Therapy services for SEN children
This long-time Hong Kong institution was established in 1956. It provides specialist services, including physiotherapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy to child patients throughout Hong Kong. It has an excellent reputation in the management of spinal deformities (in children and adults) worldwide.
The Duchess of Kent Children’s Hospital, 12 Sandy Bay Road, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong, 2817 7111, www.ha.org.hk/DKCH
Heep Hong Society – A wide network of SEN service centres across Hong Kong
Established in 1963, Heep Hong Society has a 1,000-strong team that offers professional assessment, guidance, training and family support to more than 15,000 families every year. It offers SEN support for early education, people with autism and in mainstream kindgartens, primary and secondary schools.
Heep Hong Society, various locations across Hong Kong, 2776 3111, www.heephong.org
The Nesbitt Centre – Vocational training for those with learning disabilities
The Nesbitt Centre aims to create an inclusive environment where young adults with physical and intellectual disabilities can develop sensory, social and communication skills. It is connected to three social enterprises employing a workforce with disabilities – Cafe 8 at The Hong Kong Maritime Museum, The Nest at St John’s Cathedral in Central and The Nest Bakery in Sai Ying Pun.
The Nesbitt Centre, LG/F, Sai Ying Pun Community Complex, 2 High Street, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong, 2813 4500, www.nesbittcentre.org.hk
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More Organisations That Support SEN Children
- Elevate Education – Individualised executive functioning, academic and behaviour support, and more. www.elevate-educate.net
- SPOT – Certified Specific Learning Difficulties teachers with experience in dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD and more. www.spot.com.hk
- Sprout In Motion – Multi-disciplinary approach to help children and adolescents with SEN. www.sproutinmotion.com
- Child Development Centre – Child-centred teaching and assessments for children from 0 to 6 years. www.cdchk.org
- Yang Memorial Methodist Social Service – A Christian organisation on a mission to spread love and stewardship to those in need. www.yang.org.hk
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Specialised And Inclusive Schools For SEN Students In Hong Kong
The Harbour School (THS) – Inclusive school with culturally, linguistically, neurologically and academically diverse students and teachers
At The Harbour School, you don’t need to choose between an inclusive and caring school and one with academic rigour. The school has a personalised method of instruction and learning support for students of varied abilities.
The Harbour School, 138 Lee Chi Road, Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong, 3708 9060
The Harbour School, 332 Ap Lei Chau Bridge Road, Ap Lei Chau, Hong Kong, 3612 1090, www.ths.edu.hk
Australian International School (AIS) – Inclusive school for those who are gifted and those who need learning support
The Learning Enrichment team at AISHK works to enrich the learning in mainstream curriculum for all students. The school has also arranged for a part-time private speech pathologist on-site and parents can book these services for a fee.
Australian International School Hong Kong, 3A Norfolk Road, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong, www.aishk.edu.hk
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Aoi Pui School – Specialised SEN primary school using technology to deliver high-quality education
Established in 2011, Aoi Pui School is the first school in Hong Kong approved by the Education Bureau that’s supports children and families having special education needs, particularly autism, using applied behaviour analysis. Since this year, it’s under new management that will integrate Bridge AI technology into Aoi Pui School’s teaching curriculum.
Aoi Pui School, 16 Station Lane, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 3618 8369, www.aoipuischool.hk
Link School – Specialised SEN school with a background in educational inclusion
Created by a visionary group of parents from the former Family Partners, this well-rounded school aims to strengthen the connection between teachers and parents in special needs education. The school prepares students not only to enter mainstream education but also to thrive in society.
Link School, 2/F Kimberley House, 35 Kimberley Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2682 3777, www.linkschool.hk
Hong Kong Academy (HKA) – A deliberately diverse and intentionally inclusive school that seeks out and celebrates students with diverse learning needs
Hong Kong Academy seeks out and celebrates students with diverse learning needs. It creates an International Individualised Learning Plan (IILP) for all special needs students who need learner support.
Hong Kong Academy, 33 Wai Man Road, Sai Kung, New Territories, Hong Kong, 2655 1111, www.hkacademy.edu.hk
More Specialised Schools For SEN Students In Hong Kong
- Jockey Club Sarah Roe School – Specialist SEN school under the ESF umbrella. www.jcsrs.edu.hk
- Anfield – Inclusive school with SEN support. www.anfield.com.hk
- Hong Kong International Learning Academy (HKILA) – Inclusive school that also offers specialist education provisions for students that need a little extra support. www.studyhkila.edu.hk
Centres For Specific Disabilities In Hong Kong
Hong Kong has plenty of schools to help children with a wide range of physical, mental and social impairments. All these are well-reputed organisations in their fields. Whether you’re looking for support for a child with Down Syndrome, blindness, deafness, autism or dwarfism, it’s always imperative to reach out to the right network of people who will form your village. The SNNHK has a useful guide to resources including specialist schools and car hire for those with severe physical challenges. These include:
- Little People of Hong Kong – Provides support to people of short stature and their families. www.lphk.org
- Hong Kong Down Syndrome Association – Provides resources and support to individuals with Down Syndrome. www.hk-dsa.org.hk
- Hong Kong Society for the Deaf – Aims to promote the well-being of the hearing impaired. www.deaf.org.hk
- Hong Chi Association – Provides special education, training and rehabilitation services for the intellectually disabled community. www.hongchi.org.hk
Editor’s Note: “Special Educational Needs: Resources For SEN Students In Hong Kong” was originally published by Mirna Salgadinho in March 2021 most recently updated by Anita Balagopalan.
